https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-323-Fang-Che-s-Promotion-Ownership-of-the-Crystal-and-an-Ominous-Premonition-10-000-Word/12980374/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-324-The-Arrival-of-the-Sect-Leader-a-Lifelong-Imprint-Part-2-/12980376/
Chapter 324: The Arrival of the Sect Leader, a Lifelong Imprint (Part 1)
Chapter 324: The Arrival of the Sect Leader, a Lifelong Imprint (Part 1)
"The report to lift the ban has been submitted for several days now. I estimate that by the day after tomorrow, at the latest, it will be lifted. At that time, my three masters and I will first go to your side to assess your progress during this period."
Yin Shengong said with a smile.
"That's great, Master! The ban is finally lifted. You don't know, during this time, not being able to see you has made me very anxious. I feel uneasy about everything I do."
Fang Che happily replied, "When will you come? I'll prepare in advance."
"I'm going to catch you off guard!"
Yin Shengong laughed heartily and said, "Alright, go and get busy."
The communication ended.
Fang Che's heart suddenly felt heavy.
The One Heart Sect has finally lifted the ban.
The old demon is about to come out.
After he comes out, will he discover my mistakes during this period? Fang Che spent two hours meticulously reviewing everything he had done.
He pondered over the finer details, turning them over and over in his mind.
For a moment, his chest felt stifled.
There were plenty of reasons, but... during this time, apart from the branch office, he hadn't done anything beneficial for the Demon Sect, which was also certain.
This kind of mistake, if called out, is a mistake, and if not, it's not.
If the old demon suspects, then it's a mistake, and if he doesn't, it's as it should be, because I'm undercover here!
The nature of undercover work is special.
So, in the future... it will depend on how I handle it.
Then Fang Che started to think about whether he should send some gifts to show his respect when the old demon arrives.
He decided to take action.
Fang Che immediately went to the branch office.
"Do you have anything strange or unusual to flatter the elders with?"
The Starlight Commander started to ask for bribes.
Zhao Wushang and the others were grateful to the Starlight Commander, wishing they could offer something. Upon hearing the Commander's request, they immediately became enthusiastic.
They pooled all their resources, and there were indeed quite a few such items.
Moreover, they were all rare goods from headquarters.
No one was stingy.
So.
"These items will be requisitioned by the branch office."
The Starlight Commander naturally collected them and said, "I have some good news to tell you."
Everyone's spirits lifted, "What good news?"
"Our branch office has successfully been established," said the Starlight Commander.
"Huh..."
Everyone felt deflated.
Hasn't our branch office been successfully established long ago?
This is also considered good news?
"You've misunderstood," the Starlight Commander explained. "We were successful a long time ago, but if those above don't see it, it's not a success. Therefore, only after they come to inspect and deem us qualified, can it be considered a success. And your mission will also be considered complete."
Everyone suddenly understood.
Each of them was suddenly filled with joy.
"In a few days, a high-ranking official will come for an initial inspection. You guys must perform well and make me proud."
The Starlight Commander's voice carried a dangerous tone, "If anyone... hehe... you know what will happen!"
"We understand!"
"After this high-ranking official's inspection, the headquarters' messenger will arrive. The headquarters' messenger will inspect the branch office. First, they will assess the establishment of the One Heart Sect's branch office, and second, they will also evaluate your performance during this training."
"Do you understand?"
"We do!"
"So the next period is extremely crucial! Everyone must step up, as this not only concerns my future and the future of the One Heart Sect, but also the starting point of your lifelong hopes."
The Starlight Commander's words made everyone's eyes sparkle.
"Tonight, all those still at the escort bureau will gather for a banquet. Salaries will be distributed!"
After collecting a large pile of valuable gifts, the Starlight Commander surprisingly started to distribute salaries.
But the little demons cheered.
"Woohoo!"
"We're getting paid!"
"Hooray, hooray, hooray!"
"I'm earning money too!"
Regardless of their family backgrounds or how lazy they usually were, the fact that this was the first time in their lives that they had earned money through their own labor and in a legitimate way gave them a special feeling.
Even the exceptionally clever Zheng Yunqi couldn't help but feel excited.
Spending other people's money, or their parents' money, truly gave one a sense of "the windfall."
At the very least, when spending money, they wouldn't feel the pain.
But with the money they earned themselves, thinking about how hard they had worked for a month to earn this money... they instinctively didn't want to spend it.
This was the first time these little demons had earned money.
The novelty, sense of accomplishment, and pride made these inexperienced little demons eagerly anticipate.
Therefore.
They spent the entire afternoon cleaning.
Vigorously cleaning every nook and cranny of the escort bureau.
Several business owners who came to discuss deals were baffled.
"What's going on here?"
"We're distributing salaries today."
"Salaries... are you this excited?"
"This is the first time in my life I'm receiving a salary."
"..."
The brief conversation caused the businessmen to pause for a long time, looking at the young people's excited, flushed faces. Everyone fell silent.
It was as if they were seeing their own youth.
The night they earned money for the first time in their lives. The excitement kept them awake, and they spent the whole night counting those few pitiful copper coins.
They couldn't help but smile from the bottom of their hearts.
"This is great."
...
In the evening.
The Heaven's Escort Bureau was brightly lit and bustling.
The little demons spent their own money, buying expensive food and drinks, with tables from various restaurants set up in the courtyard, and even hiring a troupe to perform on a stage set up in front of the main hall.
Waiting to receive their wages.
Their enthusiasm was at an all-time high.
"How much did you spend on the banquet and those vintage wines?"
"Over five thousand, I guess."
"Me too.
"Guess how much we might earn."
"I'd estimate at least five hundred taels, right?"
"Not necessarily."
"Just thinking about it gets me excited."
"Me too."
"Why is time passing so slowly?"
"Yeah, I can't wait."
Starlight Commander, dressed in a bright red merchant's robe, stormed out, yelling, "Who tailored this and that.
As soon as everyone saw him, they burst into laughter.
The Commander, with his... ahem, not-so-obvious handsomeness, now looked like a wild boar in a festive red robe adorned with gold ingots. The comical sight was beyond hilarious.
"You little brats, spending so much on a banquet and only earning a few salaries?" he ranted.
"It's different, Commander," said the Chief Escort Leader.
"Yeah, it's different, Commander," echoed the Deputy Chief Escort Leader.
"We're only doing this for this month; next month, we won't."
"It's our first time earning money; it should be a special occasion."
"I've been dreaming about what I'd do with my first salary... but unfortunately, I'm not at home."
Zhao Wushang sighed, "I wanted to buy something for my mother and sister."
His spirits were low, and he looked dejected.
"Are you stupid?"
The Commander scolded, "Isn't it more meaningful to buy something in White Cloud Continent and bring it back home, a long journey with a special significance?"
"Ah... the Commander is right."
His words awakened those lost in thought.
Zhao Wushang suddenly realized, his face brightening with joy.
Everyone was busy.
Fang Che stood on a high spot, observing the bustling scene before him, silently planning for this group's future.
Currently, this group's loyalty to him, at least during their time at the escort bureau, was unwavering.
Especially after the first three heart-settling sessions, their trust in him had reached a significant level.
Under strict management and with a touch of warmth, these little demons quickly accepted his leadership.
Their hearts were deeply moved.
Fang Che could guarantee that even if they returned home, for a short time, or even three to five years, they wouldn't forget him and would maintain this reverence.
But as time passed, it was hard to say.
Moreover, as they engaged in future killings, the malevolent energy of the Five Spirit Gu would influence their personalities, making them more demon-like.
Increasing their cruelty.
So, the future was uncertain.
Fang Che felt the first three heart-settling sessions were successful.
Violent rule was just a means, and it couldn't last. Since he planned to use this group in the future, Fang Che would spare no effort to leave his mark on them.
Only then could he...
And tonight was an opportunity.
Perhaps it was their last chance before they left.
...
Finally, night fell.
In the grand hall, eighty tables were packed with people.
All the headquarter family members, a total of 666, sat inside.
While outside, there were another 40 to 50 tables of people from various local One Heart Sect branches.
The hall felt a bit crowded.
The Starlight Commander waved his hand, moving his throne to the side and placing a large table, which elicited thunderous applause.
The Commander's table was crowded with people.
Strangely, the Commander, known for his brutal methods, constant fighting, crude language, and incessant cursing, had a hideous appearance that made people avert their eyes after the first glance.
But as time passed, everyone grew more trusting and felt closer to this crude warrior.
They wanted to gather around him, even if it meant getting scolded, as they didn't take the insults to heart.
Zheng Yunqi, Zhao Wushang, Zhao Wubai, Zhou Meier, Wu Lianlian, Jiang Bin, Tian Wanqing, and others, a total of twelve people, squeezed in.
Most were from the first batch, with only two from the second.
The rest couldn't squeeze in.
It was a matter of status.
Others looked on enviously at the largest table.
As the Commander sat down, he glared, "Why are there so many people? It's so crowded!"
His eyes shifted, and he said, "Zhao Wushang, one of you is enough; why are both of you here?"
Zhao Wushang immediately put on a stern face, assuming the role of the Deputy Chief Escort Leader, and pointed at Zhao Wubai, "You, get down!"
Zhao Wubai's face darkened.
He glared at his brother, and Zhao Wushang spoke with authority, "What's the matter, Zhao? Are you questioning the Deputy Chief Escort Leader's decision?"
Zhao Wubai was forced to leave, looking dejected.
This sparked a wave of laughter.
The Starlight Commander burst into laughter, stood up, and the room fell silent, anticipating the Chief Escort Leader's speech.
Holding a wine cup, the Commander sighed, "It hasn't been easy for our escort bureau to reach this point. In the beginning, I was just a lone leader... well, a lone Chief Escort Leader..."
Pfft! Someone couldn't help but snort, quickly suppressing it.
Everyone knew what word the Chief Escort Leader had intended, and they couldn't help but smile.
"The first group, I had to resort to intimidation, threats, and force to keep them here."
The Commander's words stirred memories for Zhao Wushang and the others, who couldn't help but feel nostalgic.
They remembered that night when they came to drink, and although the Commander's methods were harsh, they smiled at the memory.
It hadn't been long, but looking back, it felt like a dream.
The Commander continued, filled with emotion, "From then on, we gradually developed until everything was on the right track."
He suddenly laughed, "Today is a day of great joy, and if you're not happy, I won't say more. I'll set a rule: tonight, no one is allowed to use coarse language, including myself. Wu Lianlian, Zhou Meier, you two will supervise! Violators will drink three cups as punishment!"
"Yes!" The two women agreed crisply.
The Commander laughed, "The escort bureau has come this far, and everyone has played an indispensable role. Before I speak, I'll toast everyone three times.
"The Starlight Commander raised his voice, "Let's drink!"
Instantly, the aroma of wine filled the air.
Everyone lifted their cups in unison.
The Starlight Commander spoke, "Don't speak just yet. I, the Starlight Commander, am a simple man. It's not easy for me to gather my thoughts and express my feelings. I want to share something with you all, but if you start talking, I'll forget what I wanted to say."
The group burst into laughter.
"Cheers!"
The Starlight Commander raised his cup.
"Cheers!"
Everyone stood up, holding their cups, and drank in unison.
The Starlight Commander, still holding his cup, finished his drink and gazed at it, murmuring, "Shouldn't we say a toast before drinking? How did we finish it so fast?"
"Hahaha..."
The laughter of the group seemed to pierce through the roof.
Even the girls, including Wu Lianlian, felt that the Starlight Commander was endearing at this moment.
Saying the toast after finishing the wine was probably a first.
The Starlight Commander laughed, "We've already drunk, but the toast still stands. Although it's a bit of a blunder, I'm sure it was intentional to make it memorable."
"Shh..."
The group burst into laughter again.
It was obvious that no one believed his words; it was clear that he had simply forgotten.
"Let's sit down," the Starlight Commander said.
"I'll stand and talk while you listen sitting down. Before, I sat while you stood. Today, you all get to sit."
"Thank you, Commander!"
The group obediently sat down.
The Starlight Commander smiled, "I did forget, but it's no big deal. Let's raise this first cup to all of you. I hope that in your future lives, you'll remember this day and your time at Heaven's Escort Bureau."
He said this with a smile, but everyone fell silent.
Each person poured themselves a drink and silently drank it.
Compared to the calm and uneventful days they had spent in their headquarters, these days at Heaven's Escort Bureau were filled with thrilling and life-changing experiences.
Every day brought new challenges and a complete shift in their worldview.
Who would have thought that members of the Only Righteous Sect, like us, could get along so well when gathered together in such large numbers? And not only that, we trained relentlessly, sweating profusely with every passing moment, facing life-and-death situations and surviving against all odds.
Ups and downs.
In all the years within the family, they had never experienced anything like this, but at Heaven's Escort Bureau, they had gone through it countless times!
Although unspoken, everyone's hearts knew the truth.
The name 'Heaven's Escort Bureau' was something they would never forget in their entire lives.
How could they forget?
This was the fruit of our labor, built from scratch with our own hands!
Then, the Starlight Commander's words took a heavier turn.
"In your future lives..."
These seven words caused a light sigh among all the collateral disciples.
The future seemed uncertain, without a shred of confidence or assurance.
A hazy future lay ahead.
...
The wine was refilled, and the Starlight Commander picked up his cup but set it down again, saying, "I'll finish this toast before drinking."
The group's somber mood instantly turned into laughter.
But the Starlight Commander's next words shifted the atmosphere once more.
"I know you won't stay here for long. After this evaluation, it won't be long before you return. Some of you will handle family affairs, while others will be assigned to various departments. Heaven's Escort Bureau will only be a passing phase in your lives, a temporary stop in your journey."
The group's spirits sank.
Deep down, everyone was reluctant to part ways.
They wished they could stay at Heaven's Escort Bureau forever.
But everyone knew such a wish was impossible.
The Starlight Commander continued, "Due to the unique nature of Heaven's Escort Bureau, the rules are strict and demanding. Perhaps you're not used to them, and you may not like them. But after these months... I have a strange feeling that none of us resent them."
The group remained silent.
The rules were indeed numerous and strict, but they no longer felt resentful.
The Starlight Commander smiled, "To be honest... we know who we are. I never imagined that after my reorganization, there would be such an outcome... and I never dared to think that people like us could coexist in the same escort bureau without plotting against each other and get along so well. I wouldn't have dared to imagine this before."
The group smiled bitterly.
Indeed, it was something they wouldn't dare to imagine.
But all the unimaginable had become reality here.
The Starlight Commander spoke softly, "After returning, you won't be at the escort bureau anymore. Facing whatever comes next, I can't help you, and I can't even imagine what it will be like. You all... you're ruthless and decisive in your actions, yet so naive and immature..."
"And as you face more violence in the future, your violent nature will gradually take hold. You understand what I'm saying."
The group nodded silently.
With the Five Spirit Gu in their bodies, this was inevitable.
"So... if you ever remember Heaven's Escort Bureau, and if any of you face difficulties, lend each other a hand."
The Starlight Commander smiled faintly, "Although we are... haha, but some things, some experiences, are unforgettable and irreplaceable."
His gaze swept across each person's face, and he spoke sincerely, "I don't want any of you to die. So, when facing difficulties, reach out to each other. This cup is my way of thanking the brothers who will help each other in the future!"
He raised his cup vigorously and drank it all in one go!
Everyone lifted their cups in unison, and several of the girls had tears in their eyes as they shouted, "Thank you!"
They raised their cups and drank.
Suddenly, a rush of hot blood coursed through their bodies, making them feel scorching.
In an instant, a surge of homesickness and longing arose.
As the fine wine went down their throats, a bitter feeling rose within each of them.
In the vast hall, no one spoke, and everyone's face was heavy with emotion.
"This third cup of wine..."
The Starlight Commander lifted his cup, gazing at the wine shimmering in the lamplight, and said softly, "This is a cup of warning. From this day forward, until the day you leave, I will have higher expectations for your cultivation progress."
"Punishments will also be more severe."
"As long as you're with the escort bureau, day and night, don't even think about having a moment of relaxation!"
He let out a loud laugh and said, "I'll torment you so much that you'll miss me in the future... and in the future... you'll hate me! Hahaha..."
"Bottoms up!"
The Starlight Commander roared, and everyone else followed suit, downing their drinks.
Below, over six hundred people simultaneously displayed solemn expressions as they emptied their cups.
(End of Chapter)
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